A recently-opened little bright spot of internationalism has appeared off one of Nanjing’s more traditional thoroughfares, Qingliangmen Da Jie, in the city’s western Hexi area.
Kàn Coffee’s menu sports the usual selection of coffee, plus a hitherto unheard of option. It’s this poached egg and orange coffee that has been popping up on people’s social media feeds which attracted The Nanjinger in the first place. Then there is the Kàn Mojito that had us expecting more exotica. No, it’s coffee and soda.
Such oddities aside, it’s the huge yawning window on to the street which sets Kàn apart, an ideal spot from which to people watch the comings and goings at the mall across the road.
Sonically, there’s no K-pop here. Instead, it’s a solo piano or violins with melodies somewhat hauntingly reminiscent; perfect cafe material.
The whole experience is all set off rather well by the little touches; paper serviettes branded with a Kan Coffee dancer, for example.
The Nanjinger’s visit came on an early Monday afternoon, as but one of only two walk-in customers. However, our dedicated service was interrupted by the near-steady stream of delivery guys showing up to pick up, in what was a bumper afternoon for delivery orders.
In what was perfect timing, the two efficient gents behind the counter dispatched the deliveries just as another six youngish hipsters walked in, filling up the little place nicely to perfection.
So business we surmise, must be good. Given that Kàn opened on 20 March, they’ve been one of the lucky few.
The drawback? There’s nothing to eat, bar a sad-looking roll that would be more at home on an in-flight tray. The Cookie Monster would not be happy.
Kàn Coffee is located at 49 Fengxi Lu 凤熙路 49号. Tel 13813059780.
